Sunday, November 24, 2024
11/24/2024
Congreso de Latinos Unidos’ Latino Prevention Navigation project aims to reduce new HIV infections among high-risk Latino and Black adults ages 18-35 in eastern North Philadelphia, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). This project uses navigation and peer education to help participants reduce their risk of contracting HIV. Participants are also screened for substance misuse and provided brief intervention and referrals to treatment. Congreso has over four decades of experience serving Philadelphia’s Latino community, and our Esfuerzo HIV prevention and care program has offered comprehensive linguistically and culturally appropriate services to the community since 1985. The proposed project will provide HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing and treatment services through Congreso’s Federally Qualified Health Center, and participants who screen positive for substance misuse receive an immediate referral for substance use treatment with one of our project partners. Congreso will serve 1,200 participants during the life of the project, increasing from 150 participants in Year 1 to 300 participants in Year 5. The goals of the project are to 1) reduce potential HIV infections through substance misuse prevention education and HIV risk reduction education, 2) increase HIV and STI status awareness by testing participants for HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis, and 3) prevent HIV infection through linkages to relevant services. Measurable objectives for the first year of the project include providing HIV and substance misuse prevention education to provide 150 participants; providing HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing and treatment to 150 participants; and assessing 150 participants for healthcare, social service, and substance use treatment needs and providing appropriate linkages to care. A Health Education Specialist will apply the evidence-based Think Twice curriculum. Think Twice is a single-session intervention designed for MSM who are at high risk of contracting HIV and was shown to increase protective behaviors in a randomized controlled trial. The Latino Prevention Navigation project complements HIV sexual behavior prevention services with the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) intervention. SBIRT is a secondary prevention strategy that identifies risky substance use behaviors before abuse or dependence occurs and provides early intervention to stop the onset of more hazardous behaviors and symptoms. Participants who screen positive for substance misuse will receive a brief intervention and an immediate referral for substance use treatment with one of our partner organizations—Public Health Management Corporation and COMHAR. Congreso will unify HIV and substance use prevention practices through participant navigation. The Lead Navigator will help participants access healthcare systems, identify and reduce barriers to care, and customize health education to each participant’s needs. Navigation services are designed to support participants with accessing preventative services, such as PrEP, nPEP, and STI testing, which will help participants remain HIV-negative and engaged in their healthcare.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
